Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hospice?
Hospice of Davidson County is a nonprofit agency caring for people with terminal illness and their families since 1984. Hospice emphasizes quality, rather than length of life. The care that hospice gives is to help make the most of the last months of the patient’s life by keeping them comfortable and improving their quality of life. The focus is on care, not cure, and the expert management of pain and other symptoms. Hospice provides holistic care, addressing the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of the patient, their family and loved ones.
Where is Hospice care provided?
Hospice is a philosophy of care, not a place. Most often, hospice care is provided in the patient’s home, however, care can also be provided in nursing homes or other long-term facilities, hospice inpatient facilities, or hospitals.
When should I call Hospice?
Many of our patients are referred by their physician after curative treatments are no longer an option. However, Hospice of Davidson County accepts referrals from anyone - family, friend, minister, etc. We are only a phone call away to answer any of your questions about the many benefits of Hospice Care.
Am I giving up hope by choosing Hospice?
Choosing hospice does not mean giving up hope. Although the person has a terminal illness and probably will not get well, some do and are eventually discharged from the hospice program. There is always hope, but the focus of that hope is shifted to comfort and quality of life. Hospice offers the expertise of nurses, social workers, certified nursing assistants, a chaplain, and trained volunteers to support and guide both patients and families through this most difficult time.
Who can receive Hospice care?
Many people associate hospice with cancer, but hospice is available for anyone with any life-threatening illness and a life expectancy of six months or less. Other diseases may include, but are not limited to, end-stage heart, lung, liver and kidney diseases; stroke and coma; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), dementia and other end-stage neurological diseases; and AIDS.
What are the criteria for admission to Hospice of Davidson Co?
Generally Hospice of Davidson County serves patients who live in Davidson County. The patient’s doctor and the hospice medical director must certify that the patient is terminally ill and probably has six months or less to live. The patient must have a primary caregiver who agrees to participate in hospice care. Persons without a full-time caregiver must agree to make alternate arrangements when self-care is no longer feasible. The patient/family agrees that comfort care will be the treatment mode.
How do I pay for hospice?
Hospice of Davidson County accepts patients regardless of ability of pay. Medicare, Medicaid, Champus, and most private insurance plans, offer a hospice benefit to cover medication for pain relief and symptom management, medical supplies and equipment, specialty therapy if needed, short term inpatient care, including respite care, and continuous care in the home during periods of crisis.
What is the Hospice Medicare Benefit?
The Hospice Medicare Benefit (HMB) is offered to all Medicare recipients. When a patient is admitted to Hospice, Medicare pays the hospice a daily rate, much like going in the hospital. Hospice of Davidson County pays for expenses related to the terminal diagnosis, even though those may be much more than the Medicare daily rate. Other medical expenses, which are not related to the terminal diagnosis, may still be billed directly to Medicare. Patients may chose to return to their regular Medicare benefit at any time.
What services do I receive?
Nurses focus on pain control and symptom management and visit at least weekly. A nurse is available for emergencies 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. A social worker identifies and coordinates resources and offers emotional support. Other team members are available if needed: a chaplain for spiritual support and counseling, certified nursing assistants to provide personal care or light housekeeping, and volunteers who can stay with the patient 3-4 hours/week. We also offer bereavement care for families for at least a year after a patient dies, as well as bereavement services for the community in general.
Can I have Hospice and reside in a nursing home or assisted living facility?
Yes. Hospice of Davidson County has a specialized team who provide care for residents in skilled nursing homes, assisted living residences, rest homes, and retirement communities—wherever you call home. The team also collaborates with the doctor and facility staff in pain and symptom management staff as well as offering education on patient care, family needs, grief and loss.
When can a referral to Hospice be made?
Referral to Hospice is appropriate as soon as the decision is made to not pursue or continue curative treatment. Early referral helps to establish trust and familiarity with the Hospice staff and enables better pain and symptom management.
Who can make a referral?
Hospice Davidson County accepts referrals from many sources including physicians, the patient, families, social workers, clergy, discharge planners, and others. Referrals are evaluated for appropriateness and, prior to admission, a physician must certify that the patient has a life expectancy of six months or less. To make a referral, contact Amy Leonard or Sharon Heiney @ 336-248-6185.
Will my regular doctor be involved?
Yes. Hospice works closely with your doctor to give you the care you need. The Hospice Medical Director is also available for consultation to the Hospice team.
What is HIPAA?
HIPPA is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. CLICK HERE for the Hospice of Davidson County Notice of Privacy Practices.
What is the difference between hospice care and home health services?
Hospice is a specialized health care that focuses on quality end-of-life care for the individual with a terminal illness and their family. It offers a unique, interdisciplinary approach to caring for the whole person, focusing on the management of pain and other physical, emotional, psychosocial or spiritual symptoms/issues. Home health focuses on rehabilitation, providing primarily skilled nursing services.
Does Hospice of Davidson County do anything to make death come sooner?
No, Hospice of Davidson County does nothing to either artificially prolong life or hasten death. Our mission is to affirm the significance of human life and recognize dying as a natural process, and to enrich the quality of life for people with limited life expectancies and their loved ones.
Can I be in Hospice for longer than six months?
Yes. After two 90-day periods, patients may be placed in 60-day periods as long as the patient remains Hospice appropriate.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care focuses on comfort care rather than curative treatment. Pain and symptom management are both very important in comfort care.
How do I find a Hospice in my area?
If you reside in Davidson County, North Carolina call (336) 248-6185 or if not, click on the provided link:
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Hospice Foundation of America
The American Hospice Foundation
Carolinas Center for Hospice and End of Life Care
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